Ask Larry

WIll My Deceased Husband's First Wife Get His Social Security?

My husband is decease. I'm his 2ns wife would his 1st wife get his social security?

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Your husband's first wife could potentially qualify for survivor benefits on his account if she meets the requirements (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html), but even if she does it would have no effect on your eligibility for survivor benefits. As long as you meet the requirements for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html), you could still be paid survivor benefits from your husband's account even if his first wife is also collecting survivor benefits.

It sounds like you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your various filing options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 15 2022 - 11:20am
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